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Board issues intents to award opioid-settlement funds for recovery cafe, Momentum workforce program and jail-based MAT
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Summary
Supervisors voted to issue notices of intent to award opioid settlement funds for an 18-month period to community recovery programs and sheriff-linked services, including a Recovery Cafe and expanded medication-assisted treatment (Suboxone initiation/continuation) and discharge planning at the county jail.
The Board of Supervisors voted to issue notices of intent to award opioid settlement funds covering Jan. 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 to several local providers, including Momentum (1City) and sheriff-affiliated jail-based services, after hearing detailed proposals from applicants on Dec. 2.
Warren Dean (Momentum/1City) described Momentum's workforce-focused recovery program and a planned Recovery Cafe funded by state legislation (House File 1038) and private fundraising. He said Momentum has graduated roughly 21 individuals a year into employment and reported cumulative earned wages of program participants of about $12.5 million over five years. "We need to double our capacity," he said, noting 50 new applicants have already registered for the next term and an offer had been accepted on a property to host a Recovery Cafe and expanded programming.
Sheriff's Office and Pathways presenters described a jail-based expansion to initiate and continue medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine (Suboxone), coupled with discharge planning, peer support, Narcan distribution at release and data/reporting. Jessica Ross of Pathways said initiating MAT immediately on intake (rather than waiting through detox) short-circuits withdrawal and shortens inpatient detox timelines, improving linkage to community care: "Suboxone reduces cravings...they're able to function more normally because they're not having all of the body effects." Presenters proposed a med-pass nurse (about 28 hours/week) to administer and observe doses, and estimated capacity to initiate and/or continue MAT for roughly 30 people per month depending on need.
Board members asked clarifying questions about sustainability, contract timing and the scope of services; staff explained the "intent to award" enables contract drafting while final contracts return for approval. Supervisors passed the motion to issue intents to award; staff will draft agreements, monitor benchmarks and return contract documents for final board action. No final contract was executed at the Dec. 2 meeting; the intent authorizes staff to proceed with contract negotiations and program start-up preparation.
The board also discussed grant length and reporting obligations; presenters and county staff said the recommended approach is an 18-month funding window to allow programs to establish services and track outcomes.
